Markets remained flat after poor news from Asia and Europe failed to spook investors. A huge week of economic news was set with little action so the Bulls once again resumed the drivers seat. Asian markets were lower after China poured cold water on the housing market with new restrictions on mortgages and deposit requirements.

The Japanese have installed a dove into the Bank of Japan with a new mission of breaking the deflationary economy that has engulfed Japan for the last 20 years. His mission (should he choose to accept it) is to break the flatline and reinvigorate the Asian tiger!. It will take more than Kuroda, with his lax monetary policies, to reignite an economy with serious structural problems and an aging population. China looks to cool the housing bubble but a command economy must result in aberrations. The EUR flirted with 1.3000 again and looks set to challenge the downside.

The AUD has come under extreme pressures with global risk aversion and the local housing market dipping. Building Approvals fell, reversing expectations, and with it confidence. AUD dropped to 1.0100 and look set to test the big, big, big figure. The KIWI was not as volatile, although testing 0.8200, the currency settled at 0.8250.

A huge week of global economic data should frame the markets and expectations should not be high! Any rallies will be fermented in Central Bank Monetary Policy rather than positive economic realities.

Collinson FX market Commentary: March 4, 2013

The Dow closed out the week strongly just below the all-time high of 14.164 ignoring the gloom merchants calling the sequester deadline an apocalypse. Markets were full of confidence after some reasonable economic news and investors on the rise. European markets were mixed after Unemployment data confirmed another rise to 11.9% and inflation contracted confirming the parlous state of the single market.

The EUR hovered around the critical 1.3000 level and the GBP 1.5000 and these psychological 'big figures' may trigger a major move lower. This would need confirmation in terms of economic fundamentals but these will be forthcoming. In the US, Manufacturing rose, as did Consumer Confidence, which supported the bulls but this leg of the rally may come under a stern test this coming week. Markets will be focused on Central Bank rate decisions from the ECB, BoE, BOJ and the RBA which may not see any action but associated commentaries could drive market sentiment.

All important Jobs data in the US and the Fed's Beige Book will have impacts. A plethora of global economic data will drive markets as Technical traders look closely at critical support levels. The AUD remains weak trading just under 1.0200 and the RBA action and Economic reports will heavily impact what is some negative hits to the economy.

The KIWI held 0.8200 but will be impacted by risk aversion. This could be a huge week to begin 'March Madness!'

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